My passion for the theme park industry first began when I received my very first K’nex roller coaster set from my Aunt known as the “Super-Cyclone Micro-Coaster”. When we got back to her house, I sprinted into the living room and started organizing all the pieces. The next several hours were met with meticulous building with my aunt as we snacked on graham crackers next to the warm fireplace. It was twilight when we had finished the construction, but the night was far from over. As my aunt fell asleep, I began reconstructing and redesigning the coaster the entire night. As the sun began to rise, my aunt had walked into the living room questioning if that was the coaster we had created. I shortly confessed to her that I had stayed the entire night working on different iterations. This was met with a laugh, a “scolding”, and a scrumptious serving of pancakes. Although this was my first and favorite memory with K’nex, this story is far from over. From here, I would purchase more K’nex kits such as the Screaming Serpent and the Rippin’ Rocket (K’nex fan classics) and spend hours in my basement building numerous coasters that accurately captured the likeness of those in operation at parks. Firstly, I would challenge myself with building elements and supports that looked realistic. This would then transition into building working stations and launch systems. Once I got my 3D printer, I started designing and retrofitting new trains that utilized the same track gauge as the k’nex tracking, conserved more energy through the use of degreased and deshielded ball bearings, and featured more stylish components compared to the original set. 

Not only was I captivated by the construction of these ingenious attractions, but I was enthralled by the experience of going on them as well. Although my passion for roller coasters started with K’nex, I would have to wait a little longer to go on them. To give context, I was always the shortest kid whether it be in my family or in the classroom. One of my most fond and first memories of rides was actually at one of the parks I worked at over the Summer of 2024: Busch Gardens Williamsburg. My family and I were visiting Williamsburg to enjoy a nice summer vacation with our relatives. Since Busch Gardens was close and our relatives raved about it last year, we collectively decided to check it out. This park had the infamous Loch Ness Monster, one of the only inverting roller coasters with a height restriction of 48 inches. Fortunately for me, I was tall enough at this time. I remember banking to the right and coming up to the first inversion; it was an experience I would never forget. Time seemed to have slowed down as I approached the first interlocking inversion out of the two. Being a true enthusiast, I threw my arms up in the air and felt the wind rush across my face as I noticed the interlocking track meters away. I ended up re-riding over 20 times that day, cementing my love for inversions and eager to come back, this time taller, for the more extreme rides. When I finally was tall enough for the 54 inch tall height restricted rides (finally), I never looked back. As an avid enthusiast and hopeful professional, I want to replicate this same core memory within the next generation, except this time with a touch of my creativity.